THE MASTER'S DEGREE

The Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies is based on a two-year cohort model in which students take a sequence of four required courses over four semesters in addition to their field experience requirement, their electives and their exit requirements. However, students who do not choose to take electives or other requirements while taking their cohort courses have up to six years to complete the degree program.

In consultation with an advisor, students select courses to complete a concentration in a traditional discipline through a host department or an interdisciplinary specialization relevant to their professional objectives. In addition, the advisor assists the student in selecting appropriate Women's Studies electives. No student is permitted to take more than four courses (12 credits) through a single host department. All students are required to complete a field experience in Women's Studies, Women's Center administration, Women's Studies directed research, or Women's Studies pedagogy.

All candidates for the Master of Arts in Women's Studies must satisfy the exit requirements of the program. Those students opting for the comprehensive examination take six additional credits of coursework electives while those opting for the thesis or special project take six credits of seminar work.

Students applying for the Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies must hold a bachelor's degree with an overall undergraduate quality point ratio of at least 2.5 (A = 4.0). Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Students entering the program in the fall semester will begin the cohort courses at that time. Students in the spring semester will take electives and enter the cohort the following fall.

Students must apply to the Graduate School as well as to the Women's Studies Graduate Program. Official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay are required. Admission to the program is not official until all materials are forwarded to the Graduate School for evaluation and a formal letter of acceptance is sent by the graduate dean or the associate graduate dean to the applicant.

Please contact the Women's Studies office to request a Women's Studies Graduate Program admissions packet, which contains all of the information and forms required for admission.

Program Overview

Cohort Requirements:
12 credits to be taken in sequence over four semesters

WMS 500-Feminist Theories and Practices

WMS 510-Research Methods in WMS

WMS 520-History of Feminist Thought

WMS 530-Global Women's Issues

Field Experience Requirement: 3 Credits

WMS 601-Field Experience

Exit Requirements: 18 - 24 Credits

Thesis Option: 18 Credits

WMS 590-Thesis Seminar I

WMS 591-Thesis Seminar II

Electives in area of specialization


Comprehensive Exam Option:

18 Credits

Exam and electives in area of specialization (18 credits)


Special Project Option: 24 Credits

WMS 592-Special Project Seminar I

WMS 593-Special Project Seminar II

Electives in area of specialization

For specific information regarding the masters degree program, please call the Women's Studies Office (203-392-6133) or email us at womenstudies@southernct.edu.

For specific information regarding the graduate admission process, housing or financial aid, please contact the School of Graduate Studies at (800) 448-0661 or (203) 392-5240 or email gradinfo@southernct.edu.